5 things to know: GOP Congress to challenge Obama

January 5, 2015 8:18 AM

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The new Congress convenes Tuesday with Republicans in control of the House and the Senate. They'll serve as a formidable counterpoint to President Barack Obama in his final two years in office.

The GOP is intent on undoing the president's policies, particularly his health care law and recent immigration actions as well as his environment and business regulations.

Several Republicans — with some Democratic help — want to impose tough new penalties on Iran. The lawmakers are unnerved by the prospect of a negotiated deal with Iran over its nuclear program.

FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2014 file photo, Secretary of State John Kerry testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to shore up President Barack Obama's strategy to combat Islamic State extremists in Iraq and Syria. The new Congress convenes Tuesday with Republicans in control of the House and the Senate as a formidable counterpoint to President Barack Obama in his final two years in office. Obama has the power to veto legislation, an action he¿s only taken twice in six years. Expect plenty more in the next 24 months in showdowns between the Democratic president and the GOP-led Congress. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Obama has the power to veto legislation, but that's a step he's only taken twice in six years. Expect plenty more in the next 24 months in showdowns between the Democratic president and the GOP-led Congress.

FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2014 file photo, House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio arrives for a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. The new Congress convenes Tuesday with Republicans in control of the House and the Senate as a formidable counterpoint to President Barack Obama in his final two years in office. Obama has the power to veto legislation, an action he¿s only taken twice in six years. Expect plenty more in the next 24 months in showdowns between the Democratic president and the GOP-led Congress. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2014 file photo, President Barack Obama meets with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., left, and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. The new Congress convenes Tuesday with Republicans in control of the House and the Senate as a formidable counterpoint to President Barack Obama in his final two years in office. Obama has the power to veto legislation, an action he¿s only taken twice in six years. Expect plenty more in the next 24 months in showdowns between the Democratic president and the GOP-led Congress. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2014 file photo, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington. The new Congress convenes Tuesday with Republicans in control of the House and the Senate as a formidable counterpoint to President Barack Obama in his final two years in office. Obama has the power to veto legislation, an action he¿s only taken twice in six years. Expect plenty more in the next 24 months in showdowns between the Democratic president and the GOP-led Congress. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)